CE-421: Design of Steel Structures

Design of Compression
Members
 Compression Members
Different Forms of Buckling
 Most Common is the Euler’s Buckling
 It is Called as Overall Buckling or Flexural Buckling
 Compression Members
Different Types of Buckling
 Notice the Failure of Steel Columns in Experiments

• Do you see BUCKLING in

these Columns ?

• Is this Type of BUCKLING

SAME as the EULER’S
OR the OVERALL
BUCKLING you have
already Studied before ?
 Compression Members
Different Types of Buckling
 Notice the Difference b/w Previous Buckling & the
Following Buckling
Compression Members
Different Types of Buckling
Buckling ……… but different than the
Euler’s or Overall Buckling
 Compression Members
Different Forms of Buckling
 See Closely the Difference
 Compression Members
 This New type of Buckling is Called Local Buckling
(Local Stability Issue)

 In this Buckling, Member or

Column Does Not Show
Overall Buckled Shape
 Buckling Occurs Only in
Small Regions

 It is Called Local Buckling

 Compression Members
 Local Buckling

 In Local Buckling Only Cross-

section DISTORT Locally

 While in the Overall Buckling Member

Buckles But Cross-section Remains
PERFECT. It is a very Neat Buckling !
 Compression Members
More Local Buckling Examples
 Compression Members
More Local Buckling in Real Column
 Can You Draw the Cross-sections at Different Levels ?
 Compression Members
Different Types of Buckling
 Cut & Draw the Cross-section Shape after Buckling at
different Levels

Local Buckling is the Cross-

section Distortion at Some
Locations of the Member
Real Compression Members
Is Local Buckling a
Failure Mode?

Yes ! Because as the Local

Wrinkle or Buckle Causes

The Member Local Distortion, which Starts and

Grows Until Failure / Collapse Occurs !
Real Compression Members
On What Factors Local Buckling
Depends

Will It Depends Upon KL/r ?

Doesn’t Look Like !

Local Buckling Depends Mainly

Upon the Plate Thickness !
 Compression Members
Local Buckling

 Local Buckling is Not Overall

Buckling & it Depends upon
mainly Thickness of local
Elements of Cross-section

 Local Elements of Cross-sections

are the Flanges and Webs
 Compression Members
Local Buckling
 More Specifically, Local Buckling Depends upon Width
to Thickness Ratio of Flanges and Web of X-section

It is Just Like Span to depth Ratio of

Beams to Control Beam Deflection
Real Compression Members

How AISC Deals with the Local

Buckling Issue ?

Obviously It Tries to Control

Width to Thickness Ratio of
Webs & Flanges
 Compression Members
AISC Controls Flange Local Buckling

tf
bf
 Local Buckling will Not Occur in Flanges if λ of Flange
Does not Exceed a Limiting Value λr
 Compression Members
AISC Controls Web Local Buckling

tw h

 Similarly for Webs, Local Buckling will Not Occur if λ

of web Does Not Exceed by a Limiting Value λr
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Limits in Different Sections
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Limits in Different Sections
Compression Members
Local Buckling in HSS Sections
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Limits in Different HSS Sections
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Example
 Local Buckling Check in W 14 x 74 section

Check for Flange

The λ of Flange is:

W 14 x 74
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Example
 Local Buckling Check in W 14 x 74 section

Calculating Limiting Value of λr

Since

i-e λ of Flange is < λr the Critical Buckling Limit, So No

Local Buckling is Expected in Flange !!
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Example Continue
Check for Web

λ= W 14 x 74

Calculating Limiting Value of λr

i-e λ of Web is < λr the Critical Buckling Limit, So No

Local Buckling is Expected in Web !!
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Help in AISC Handbook

Instead of Manual
Working Use the
Printed Values of h/tw
and bf / 2tf in the Next
Page of Property
Tables of AISC
Handbook

These Values of h/tw

and bf / 2tf are Same as
Just Been Calculated
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Example
In the Current Problem

Web Will Not Buckle Locally !!

Flanges Will Not Buckle Locally !!

Such Sections are Called COMPACT SECTIONS

Non Compact OR Slender Sections Buckle Locally

 Compression Members
Local Buckling Indications in AISC Handbook

In AISC Handbook Tables if there is a Superscript

‘c’ Mentioned with any Section in the Properties
Table then that Section will Suffer from Local
Buckling if Used as Column !

So, Designer can Avoid Local Buckling Issue by

Not Selecting those Cross-sections
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Indications in AISC Handbook

Superscript
‘c’
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Incorporation in Design

If the Selected Column Section Shows Local

Buckling Indications (λ Values Becomes > λr)
Or Presence of Superscript ‘c’ in AISC
Handbook Tables, Then How to Proceed ?

Chapter E of Section 16 of AISC Handbook

Provides Method of Calculating a Reduction
Factor ‘Q’ to be Applied on Fcr, which Reduces
Compressive Strength of Column ΦPn
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Snaps of Section E7 of AISC Handbook:
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling

 If it is found from the b/t ratios of Flange Or Web that

Local Buckling is present , i-e ……
 bf/2tf of Flange OR h/tw of Web are > Their λr !!!
 The Capacity Φ Pn Must be Reduced !!
 Need to Calculate Reduction Factors through the
Procedure of Section E7 of Chapter 16 of AISC
Handbook which Defines Reduction Factors ‘Q’ for
Flange and Web
 Compression Members
Local Buckling Solution
AISC Asks to Reduce the Compressive Capacity ϕPn of a
Column if Column Founds to be Non Compact or Slender

Reduction is Separately Provided for the Flange & Web

But AISC Doesn’t Provide Headings of Flange & Web

It Uses Headings of Stiffened & Un-stiffened Elements

Stiffened Elements are Connected at Both Ends

Un-stiffened Elements are Connected at One End

 Compression Members
Stiffened & Unstiffened Elements in Cross-section

W Section

Un-stiffened Elements are Connected at One End

Flanges of W Section, Channels or Angle Iron are

Un-stiffened Elements
 Compression Members
Stiffened & Unstiffened Elements in Cross-section

W Section

Stiffened Elements are Connected at Both Ends

Webs of W Section & Channels are

Stiffened Elements
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Requirements of Section E7 of AISC Handbook:

Section Requires to Calculate a Reduction Factor ‘Q’ for

Flange and Web , whichever Exceeding the Local
Buckling Limit λr … or Both
It defines Web and Flange as Stiffened & Un-Stiffened Elm
The ‘Q’ for Flange and Web are Qs and Qa
‘Q’ = Qs X Qa
If Any one, Flange or Web does not exceed the Local
Buckling Limit λr Then ‘Qs’ or ‘Qa’ will be Taken as 1
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Snaps of Section E7 of AISC Handbook:
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling

 Requirements of Section E7.1 of AISC Handbook:

AISC Specs. Section E7.1 gives the procedure for

calculating Qs for Slender Un-Stiffened Elements, like
Flanges.
 It defines Qs separately for Hot rolled sections, Built-up
sections, Single Angle Iron and T-sections.
 It Involves computing Qs from an expression that is a
function of the width-to-thickness ratio, Fy, and E.
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Section E7.1 of AISC Handbook for Qs Calculation:
 Compression Members - Design
 Section E7.1 of AISC Handbook for Qs Calculation:
 Compression Members - Design
 Section E7.1 of AISC Handbook for Qs Calculation:
 Compression Members - Design
 Section E7.1 of AISC Handbook for Qs Calculation:
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling

 Requirements of Section E7.2 of AISC Handbook:

AISC Specs. Section E7.2 gives the procedure for

calculating Qa for Slender Stiffened Elements, like
Webs.
 It defines Qa by Calculation an Effective Area Aeff :
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Requirements of Section E7.2 of AISC Handbook:

‘Qa’ the Reduction Factor for Slender Stiffened

Element is Calculated by Finding Effective Area Aeff of
the Slender Web (Stiffened Element)
Effective Area ‘Aeff ’ of Slender Web is Computed by the
Product of Web Thickness (tw) & and Effective Web
Width (be) or Height
Aeff = be x tw
 Compression Members - Design
 Section E7.2 of AISC Handbook for Qa Calculation:
The Effective Area Aeff is Required to be Calculated
through Calculation of an Effective Width beff of the
Slender Element through Prescribed Equations
beff Will then Multiplied by Thickness of the Slender
Element to get the Reduced Effective Area of the
Slender Element, through which the Total Effective Area
Aeff of the Cross-section will be Calculated .
 Finally Qa is Calculated by :
 Compression Members - Design
 Section E7.2 of AISC Handbook for Qa Calculation:
Effective Width beff of the Slender Element is
Calculated through Prescribed Equations in section E7.2
It is Defined Differently for Uniformly Compressed
Elements of Cross-section, Flanges of Box sections and
Uniformly Compressed Circular Sections
 Compression Members - Design
 Section E7.2 of AISC Handbook for beff Calculation:
 Compression Members - Design
 Section E7.2 of AISC Handbook for beff Calculation:
 Compression Members - Design
Local Buckling Effects
 Example 4.4 as Example of Local Buckling Calculations

Example 4.4 of the Book by Segui provides Sample

Calculations for Incorporating Local Buckling Effects
It shows that Longer Side of a HSS section becomes
Slender and
Provides Calculation of Qa for that Slender Stiffened
Element.
It Finally Calculates Qa by Calculating the Effective Area
Aeff :through Calculation of Effective Width beff of the
Slender Element
Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
First of All ….. Determine the Compressive
Strength of member SAME AS BEFORE …

Means …. Find Largest KL/r … & …

Fcr … &.. ϕPn

 Now Compute the Compressive Strength ΦPn of the

Column Using Usual Procedure
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Calculate the KL/r and Compare it with the Boundary of
Elastic & In-Elastic Buckling & 4.71√ (E/Fy)
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 This Compressive Strength ΦPn is without Considering
the Local Buckling Check, Which is now Checked
 Because of HSS section (Hollow Rectangular Sec.)
 All Elements Becomes Stiffened and the check is:
 h / tw → λr = 1.4 1.4
46
 h /tw of Longer 8 inches side is obtained from the
Properties Table & is 66 which becomes Greater than the
Limit of 35 while h /tw of that of Shorter side of 4” is
(31.5) which is Less than the Limit of 35.
Compression Members - Design
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 Therefore Need to Find the Qa for Slender Stiffened Web.
Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling

Difference of the
Two is the b ineffective

This is the ineffective Area

8”
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling

 After Calculating the In-effective Area it is Subtracted

from the Total Area to get the Aeff
This is the effective Area

 After Calculating the Aeff the Reduction Factor Q is:

 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling
 After Calculating the Reduction Factor Q the Reduced
Compressive Strength is again Calculated :
 Compression Members - Design
Evaluation of Impact of Local Buckling

 This Pn is Less than Previously Calculated Pn of 58.91

(without Local Buckling Effect) and is Reduced by the
Local Buckling Effect with Factor ‘Q’
 The Reduced Design Strength is :
 Φ Pn = 0.9 x 53.35 = 48 Kips
 So the Column Capacity is Shown to be Reduced by
the Local Buckling !!
Real Compression Members
Use of Helping Tables To Calculate
Compressive Strength of Column

Helping Tables are Provided in

Section 4 of AISC Manual

From Table 4 – 1 To 4 – 22 !!
Table for Compression Members
• The Steel Manual contains useful tables for
analysis and design of Columns.
• For compression members whose strength is
governed by flexural buckling, Table 4-22 in
Part 4 of the manual can be used.
• This table gives values of Ф Fcr (for LRFD) as a
function of Kl/r for various values of Fy.

• Column load tables 4-1 to 4-22 give the

available strength Ф Pn of selected shapes, both
for LRFD and ASD as a function of Kl.
Example 1: Fy = 50 ksi

Solution:
We have already Solved this Problem Using Largest KL/r
In the Steel Handbook the W14 x 74
shows the rx = 6.04” and ry = 2.48”

• If Kl/r < 4.71 (E/Fy )1/2 FCR = {0.658 (Fy / Fe ) } Fy

Solution:

Φ Pn = Φ Fcr x Ag
Example 1 Continued:
Example 1 Continued:

From Table 4-1 for W 14 x 74

KL of 20, Fy = 50 ksi ….

Φ Pn = 494 kip

Same as Obtained Before with Some Efforts !

 Real Compression Members
Use of Helping Table 4 – 1 Section 4
of AISC Manual May Leads to Wrong
Answer in case if KL/ry is Not
Governing

 Take the Example of the Three Storied Column

already solved before
 Compression Members
Example 2 :
W 12 x 58
Properties of W12X 58 from
Steel Manual

W 12 x 58
Ag = 17 in2
rx = 5.28 in
ry = 2.51 in
 Compression Members
Buckling Lengths of Column
is Different in Two Directions W 12 x 58

In X-Direction Buckling
Length = 24 ft
In Y-Direction Smaller ‘r’ Larger ‘r’

Buckling Length = 8 ft

But Which ‘r’ to be Used with

which ‘L’ ?
 Compression Members
Solution:

Compare The largest KL/r 54.55 with 4.71 √(E/Fy) of 113

Since 54.55 < 113.. Inelastic Buckling Case (Short Column)
Find the FCR using Short Column Equation
 Compression Members
Solution (Continued…)

Fe = π2 29000 / (54.55) 2 = Ksi

Fcr = 0.658 (50 / 96.26) x 50 = Ksi
ФPn= 0.9 x Ag x Fcr = 0.9 x 17 x 40.23 =

Compare the FCR with Fy 40.23 < 50 ksi

Compression Members

Both Answers are WRONG

Because This Table Provides

Answers w.r.t KL / ry NOT KL / rx
 Real Compression Members
Solve it Using Helping Table 4 – 1

 Find the ФPn From the Table with KL = 8 feet in ry

direction
 Find the ФPn From the Table with KL = 8 feet is found
to be 688 kip, which is Not Governing !
 The Actual Axial Capacity ФPn of this Column was
found to be 615.5 kip !

Because the Problem Governs from KL / rx NOT KL / ry

 Compression Members
Remember Weaker Axis Buckling Not Governing But
it was Calculated before as :
• ry = 2.51 inches, L = 8 feet
• KL/ry = 1x 8 x 12 /2.51 = 38.2 < 113 & 200 also
• Fcr = 0.658 (Fy/Fe) x Fy
• Fe = 3.14172 x 29000/ (38.2 2) = 196 Ksi
• Fcr = 45 Ksi Close to Fy 45 < 50 ksi

ФPn= 0.9 x Ag x Fcr = 0.9 x 17 x 45 =

This is Provided in Table 4-1 But Not Governing !!

Real Compression Members

Use of Helping Table 4 – 22 Provided

in Section 4 of AISC Manual

Table 4 – 22 is More Trusted Than

Tables 4-1 to 4-20
 Real Compression Members

Table 4 – 22 is More Trusted Than

Tables 4-1 to 4-20

 Now Solve the Example of the Three Storied Column

Using Table 4 - 22

 Table 4 – 22 Works with KL/r rather than KL

 Table 4 – 22 Provides ϕFcr rather than ϕPn

Compression Members

After Getting ФFcr the Ф Pn

Can be Calculated by
Multiplying with Ag
Compression Members

ФFcr = 36.2 ksi

ФPn = 36.2 x 17 = 615 kip

 Compression Members
ϕFcr = 36.2 Ksi is this Same as we got before?

Fcr = 0.658 (50 / 96.26) x 50 = Ksi

ФPn= 0.9 x Ag x Fcr = 0.9 x 17 x 40.23 =

Since We got Fcr = 40.23 Ksi, Therefore

ϕFcr = 0.9 x 40.23 = 36.2 Ksi

SAME !
Example 1: Fy = 50 ksi

Solution:
We have already Solved this Problem Using Largest KL/r
In the Steel Handbook the W14 x 74
shows the rx = 6.04” and ry = 2.48”

• If Kl/r < 4.71 (E/Fy )1/2 FCR = {0.658 (Fy / Fe ) } Fy

Solution:

Φ Pn = Φ Fcr x Ag
Compression Members

ФFcr = 22.67 ksi

ФPn = 22.67 x 21.8 = 494 kip

Example 2:

From Table 4-22 for KL/r of 96.77, Fy = 50 ksi ….

Φ Fcr = 22.67 ksi

Φ Pn = Φ Fcr x Ag

Φ Pn = 22.67 x 21.8 = 494 kips

Same as Obtained Before with Some Efforts !

Compression Members - Design

Design of Compression Members

Supply: Provided an
Demand: Loads &
Adequate Section that
Architectural Req.
Fulfils All Demands

Design Process
 Compression Members - Design

Design of Compression Members

Design Process

Is a Black Box !. It Contains Several Iterations

/ Trial & Error Phases for Checking Adequacy
of a Trial Section in Different Failure Modes
 Compression Members - Design
 Given is the Demand or the Ultimate Load Pu
 Required is to Select a X-Section that can Bear That
Compressive Load.
How Can the Section be Selected ?

 The Cross section is Estimated

using the Same Equation of
Capacity Provided by the AISC !
 But Equating or Assuming the
Capacity Equal to the Applied
Compression on the Column
 Compression Members - Design
 According to AISC LRFD, the Ultimate Compressive
Applied Loads on the Column Should be Less Than the
Compressive Design Capacity or Compressive Strength
of the Column
 AISC LRFD Philosophy :

 The Nominal Compressive Strength of Columns according to

AISC is:

 Here Fcr is the Buckling Stress in the Column and Ag is the Gross
Cross-sectional Area of the Column
 Compression Members - Design
What is the Difficulty is Expected in the
Cross-section Selection Process ?

The Column Cross-section Ag is to be Selected

by Reversing the Equation of Strength

Problem lies in the Fcr Assumption

 Compression Members - Design
Fcr is Not Constant like Fy !

Fcr Depends upon KL/r and KL/r Depends

upon Length and Cross-section, which is
UNKNOWN here !

Experience Shows that Fcr Usually Falls b/w 50%

to 90% of Fy and KL/r Usually b/w 50 to 110

So, Fcr can be assumed in the first step as 50-70%

of Fy and Ag can be Estimated
 Compression Members - Design

So, Fcr can be assumed in the first step as 0.5 to

0.7 of Fy and Ag can be Estimated by:

A section can be Selected from the AISC Handbook

having Ag > the Required Ag from above Step
 Compression Members - Design

After Selection of a Proper Cross-Section from

the AISC Handbook Now the Fcr can be Reverse
Calculated using the Largest KL/r

The Problem of Design is now Turned as the

Problem of Analysis

All the Steps of Analysis or Capacity Calculation

Needs to be Repeated
 Compression Members - Design
Need to Check the Adequacy of the Selected section
by Performing all the Steps of Capacity
Calculations Using Column Design Curve used in
the Analysis and the Two Equations of Fcr
 Compression Members - Design

Keep in Mind that the Selected Section Should

Not Falling Under Local Buckling Issues !
(Non-Slender)
Otherwise Need to Reduce the Capacity !

Remember that KL/r of the Columns Should Not

Exceed by 200
 Compression Members - Design
Example of Design :

 Given :  Required :
• Dead & Live Loads • Select a W 18 Column Section
• Effective Length ‘KL’ = 26 ft
• A992 Steel Fy = 50 ks

 Calculate Required Ag
 Compression Members - Design
Example Design Continued :

Check if Any Column Section of W18 has

Ag > 20.2 will Work ?
Compression Members - Design
 Design… Further Help
 Therefore only one assumption of Ag or fcr is not found
good in the design of columns. Because at first step, ANY
W18 Sec having min Ag of 20.2 appeared sufficient, but
later on found NOT GOOD.
 Addition of one more parameter of KL/r could help in
reducing the iterations
 For e.g. in previous example one can assume a reasonable
KL/rmin value and find rmin to be provided:
 Assuming KL/rmin = 110 (Say),
 Then rmin required = 2.83, which means from Tables,
W18X130 looks better choice at very first step because it
has Ag > 20.2 and rmin close to 2.83
Compression Members - Design
Design Example 4-10

 Note that this is Problem 4-10 of

the Book by Segui
 It is Solved here by the Book
method Using Table 4-1 as well by
Using Basic Iterative Approach
 Compression Members - Design
Problem Idealization

Buckling in Plane of
Out of Plane
Frame/Beams 9 ft
Buckling
(Along x axis) Or
(Along y Axis) Or
About (y Axis) Minor
About (x Axis)
Axis Buckling
Major Axis
9 ft Buckling
 Compression Members - Design
 Problem Idealization:
• The problem is simply about Selecting / Designing a
Light weight Column.
• It should be a W-section
• It is Total 18 ft. height
• But having a Lateral Support at
mid-height in weaker direction
9’
• One Loop Buckling Possibility in
Major Direction L=18’
• Two Loops Buckling Possibility in 9’

Minor Direction L1 = L2 = 9’
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Continue

 Given :
• Dead & Live Loads, Each 400 /2
= 200 Kip
• Effective Length ‘KLx’ = 18 ft
• Effective Length ‘KLy’ = 9 ft
• A992 Steel Fy = 50 ksi

 Required :
• Select Lightest W Section for
the Column
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Use Basic Approach

 Selection of Cross-section :
• Based Upon Minor Axis Buckling,
Gross Area Required is:

• Assume Fcr = 30 Ksi

• Assume KL/r ≤ 100
• Or r ≥ 9 x 12 / 100 = 1.08 inch
 Compression Members - Design
Design Problem Using Basic Approach
 Selection of Cross-section :
• Pu = 1.2 x 200 + 1.6 x 200 = 560 kip
• Ag = 560 / (0.9 x 30) = 20.7 in 2
• Now go and Select A Lighter W-section Having Ag ~
21 in 2 and ry ~ 1 inch from the Steel Handbook

 Select W 12 x 72
Ag = 21.1 & ry = 3.04, which are ≥ the Required Ag& ry

Now Check the Strength of the Selected

Column W 12 x 72 and Compare it with Pu
Compression Members - Design
W 12 x 72 W 12 x 72
Properties Properties
Compression Members - Design
Zoomed View of Snap Shot of Handbook
Page Showing W 12 x 72 Properties
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach
 Properties of W 12 x 72 :
• Ag = 21.1 in 2 , rx = 5.31 in , ry = 3.04 in
Effective Length ‘KLx’ = 18 ft
• Effective Length ‘KLy’ = 9 ft
• A992 Steel Fy = 50 ksi About Major Axis

 Major Axis Slenderness KL/ rx :

• KL/ rx = 18 x 12 / 5.31 = 40.67

 Minor Axis Slenderness KL/ ry :

• KL/ ry = 9 x 12 / 3.04 = 35.6
About Minor Axis
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach

 Calculate

 Compare the Maximum KL/r with

 Since the Largest KL/rx of

40.67 < 113

=113
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach

Fe
KL/r

Fe = π2 29000 / (40.67)2 = 173 ksi

Fcr = 0.658 (50 / 173) x 50 = 44.3 Ksi
Ф Pn=0.9 Ag Fcr = 0.9 (21.1 x 44.3) = 841 Kip

Since the Strength ФPn of Column W12 x 72 > Pu

ФPn = 841 > 560 kip … Can Reduce Column Size !
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach

Select a Lower Section, Say W 14 x 61, having

weight 61 lb/ft
Now find the Compressive Strength of W 14 x 61
 Properties of W 14 x 61 :
• Ag = 17.9 in 2 , rx = 5.98 in , ry = 2.45 in
Effective Length ‘KLx’ = 18 ft
• Effective Length ‘KLy’ = 9 ft
• A992 Steel Fy = 50 ksi
Compression Members - Design
W 14 x 61 W 14 x 61
Properties Properties
Compression Members - Design
Zoomed View of Snap Shot of Handbook
Page Showing W 14 x 61 Properties
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach

 Major Axis Slenderness KL/ rx :

• KL/ rx = 18 x 12 / 5.98 = 36.12

 Minor Axis Slenderness KL/ ry :

• KL/ ry = 9 x 12 / 2.45 = 44.08 Major Axis

 Compare the Maximum KL/r with

Minor Axis
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach
 Since the Largest KL/ry of
44.08 < 113

Fe = π2 29000 / (44.08)2 = 147 ksi =113

Fcr = 0.658 (50 / 147) x 50 = 43.38 Ksi

Ф Pn=0.9 Ag Fcr = 0.9 (17.9 x 43.38) = 698 Kip
Since the Strength ФPn of Column W 14 x 61 > Pu
ФPn = 698 > 560 kip .. Still Column Size Can be Reduced !
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach

Now we can Further Down to Select W 14 x 53

Or W 12 X 53 Because Both has Same Weight

Select & Find Compressive Strength of W 12 x 53

 Properties of W 12 x 53 :
• Ag = 15.6 in 2 , rx = 5.23 in , ry = 2.48 in
Effective Length ‘KLx’ = 18 ft
• Effective Length ‘KLy’ = 9 ft
• A992 Steel Fy = 50 ksi
Compression Members - Design
Zoomed View of Snap Shot of Handbook
Page Showing W 12 x 53 Properties
Compression Members - Design
Zoomed View of Snap Shot of Handbook
Page Showing W 12 x 53 Properties
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach

 Major Axis Slenderness KL/ rx :

• KL/ rx = 18 x 12 / 5.23 = 41.13

 Minor Axis Slenderness KL/ ry :

Major Axis
• KL/ ry = 9 x 12 / 2.48 = 43.55

 Compare the Maximum KL/r with

Minor Axis
 Compression Members - Design
Design Example Using Basic Approach
 Since the Largest KL/ry of
43.55 < 113

Fe = π2 29000 / (43.55)2 = 151 ksi =113

Fcr = 0.658 (50 / 151) x 50 = 43.53 Ksi

Ф Pn=0.9 Ag Fcr = 0.9 (15.6 x 43.53) = 611 Kip
Since the Strength ФPn of Column W 12 x 53 > Pu
ФPn = 611 > 560 kip .. Still Column Size Can be Reduced !
 Compression Members - Design
Important Thing to Remember !

Finally Selected Section should be Checked for

Local Buckling !.

If Local Buckling is Found to Occur in the selected

Section then either Select another Section or
Reduce the Capacity of the selected section by
Finding a Reduction Factor as Prescribed in
Chapter E of the AISC Handbook
 Compression Members - Design
Local Buckling Check - AISC Handbook

How to Check for Local Buckling !.

 Check the Web Local Buckling by Calculating its

λ = h / tw & Comparing it with Limit λr .

 Check the Flange Local Buckling by Calculating its

λ = bf / 2 tf & Comparing it with Limit λr .

Note that h / tw & bf / 2 tf are Provided in

Handbook Properties Tables
 Compression Members - Design
Local Buckling Check - AISC Handbook

Limiting Values of bf/2tf and

h/tw of Flange & Web :
 Compression Members - Design
Local Buckling Check - AISC LRFD
 Local Buckling of Flange Check:
 bf /2 tf = 8.69
λr =
 Local Buckling of Web Check:
 h / tw = 28.1
λr =
Both Limits of λr of Flange & Web are > than The Local b/t ratios

bf/2tf of Flange < than λr of Flange AND h/tw of Web < than λr of Web

8.69 < 13.5 for Flange AND 28.1 < 35.9 for Web
 Compression Members - Design
Local Buckling Indication in - AISC Tables

The Indicator for Local Buckling is the Notation ‘c’

Presence with the Section name in the AISC Handbook ,
which is Not Seen with W12 x 53 … No Local Buckling !!
Compression Members - Design

Design Requirements of Built-up and Mono-

Symmetrical or Un-symmetrical Sections, if
used as Compression Members

We Have Studied Two Types of Buckling

Local Buckling & an Overall Buckling

The Overall Buckling ais also called

Flexural Buckling !
 Compression Members - Design
Whatever is been Covered Yet, It belongs to
Euler’s Buckling or Overall Buckling, also
Known as Flexural Buckling

There are Other Types of Buckling Exist !!

Depending upon the Behaviour of Column
During Buckling

These Other Types of Buckling Are Occurring in

the Full Height of Column Like the Flexural
Buckling (Overall Buckling)
 Compression Members - Design
These Mainly Include

Flexural Torsional Buckling &

Torsional Buckling

Flexural Torsional Buckling Mostly Occurs in

Mono-Symmetrical or Un-symmetrical Sections
Used as Column Sections

Torsional Buckling Occurs in Cruciform Sections

 Compression Members - Design
Doubly-Symmetrical, Mono-Symmetrical & Un-
symmetrical Sections Used as Column Sections
 Compression Members - Design
Flexural Torsional Buckling - Comparison

Flexural Buckling
 Compression Members - Design
Flexural Torsional Buckling - Comparison

Flexural Buckling Flexural Torsional Buckling

Compression Members - Design
Torsional Buckling
Compression Members - Design
Types (Modes) of Buckling
 Compression Members - Design
Types (Modes) of Buckling
What we have Covered in the Analysis & Design of
Compression Members is the Case of Flexural
Buckling of Columns (Also Called Overall Buckling
OR Euler’s Buckling), applicable to Double
Symmetric Sections. If the Column section is Not ….

Doubly Symmetric then the Buckling will be either

Torsional Buckling or Flexural Torsional Buckling &
the formulas of Fcr Before May Not be Applicable !!
 Compression Members - Design
Types (Modes) of Buckling

Note that the Cruciform Sections May be

Doubly Symmetric But their All elements
are Connected at One Point, Like the
PLUS shape. But the Relevant Equations
of Fcr are Different then those used for the
Doubly Symmetric ‘W’ or I–Sections etc.
and these are Not those that were Used
Previously for the Doubly Symmetric W-
sections or the HSS Sections !
 Compression Members - Design
Buckling of Mono Symmetric or
Unsymmetric Sections
Therefore When The Section is NOT DOUBLY
SYMMETRIC i-e a T-sec, L-sec etc

Actual Governing Compressive Strength is

the Smaller of the Flexural Buckling
Strength about X-Axis &
Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength
about Y & Z-Axes
 Compression Members - Design
Types (Modes) of Buckling

For Torsional Buckling & Flexural Torsional

Bucklings, the Buckling Stress Fcr is Specified by
the Section E4 of AISC Chapter “E” – Part – 16

The Formulas of these Relative Buckling Stress

Fcr as Specified by the Section E4 of AISC
Chapter “E” – Part – 16 are also Shown here
 Compression Members - Design
AISC Approaches for Flexural Torsional
or Torsional Buckling

AISC uses Two Approaches:

1- Specific for T-sec or a Double Angle Connected
back to back
2- More General Approach for Any Singly
Symmetric or Un-symmetric Sections
Compression Members - Design
Types (Modes) of Buckling

In the First Approach, Which is for T-sec and

Double Angle sec, AISC Specifies Formula to
Calculate the Fcr which is used to Calculate
the Compressive Strength ϕPn of the Column
having T-sec Or Double Angle sec
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength About Y-Axis
 If KL/r is Not used to Define Long or Short Column
 Equivalent Boundary of Long & Short Column Using Fe
 Compression Members - Design
Buckling in Flexural Torsional & Torsional Modes
Nominal Compressive Strength is Given by Pn = Fcr Ag

 Fcr is Calculated as Per AISC Section 16, Chapter ‘E’ Part E4

 Fcr For double-angle and Tee Sections is given as:

 Fcry is the Same Fcr as Used for the Column Flexural Buckling
About y- Axis, while Fcrz is Given as:
 Compression Members - Design
Buckling in Flexural Torsional & Torsional Modes
 The Details of Different Variables are as:
 Compression Members - Design
Types (Modes) of Buckling

In the Second Approach, Which is for General

for either Mono-Symmetric sec or for Un-
Symmetric sec, AISC Specifies Formula to
Calculate the Fe which then used to Calculate
FCR which then further used to Calculate the
Compressive Strength ϕPn of the Column
 Compression Members - Design
Buckling in Flexural Torsional & Torsional Modes
 Fcr For Singly Symmetric members where y is the Axis
of Symmetry is the Same Fcr as Used for the Column
Flexural Buckling About y- Axis, But Fe is Taken as :
 Compression Members - Design
Buckling in Flexural Torsional & Torsional Modes
 Fcr For Un-Symmetric members is the Same Fcr as Used
for the Column Flexural Buckling About y- Axis, But Fe
is lowest root of the cubic Equation:

 All of the above Variables are already Defined before

 Compression Members - Design
Buckling in Flexural Torsional & Torsional Modes
 Fcr For Doubly Symmetric members is Same Fcr as Used
for the Column Flexural Buckling, But Fe is Taken as :

 Further Variables are Defined as:

 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem

 Using General Approach for Singly-Symmetric members

& Finding Fcr Using Fe

 First Compute Flexural Buckling Strength About X-Axis

Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Now Compute Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength
About Y-Axis

 Need to Find Fe

 Find Fey

 Now Find H & Fez

 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Now Compute Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength
About Y-Axis
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength About Y-Axis

 Finding Fez

 Note that Cw & J & Ag are Taken from AISC Manual

 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength About Y-Axis

 Find Fe

 Fe

 Now Find Fcr

 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength About Y-Axis

 Equivalent Boundary of Long & Short Column Using Fe

• Note That The Boundary Between Elastic & In-Elastic

Buckling is the Slenderness Ratio of 4.71 (E/fy)1/2
• If KL/r < 4.71 (E/fy)1/2 The Same is Equivalent to
Fe > 0.44 Fy
• If KL/r > 4.71 (E/fy)1/2 The Same is Equivalent to
Fe < 0.44 Fy
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength About Y-Axis

 Equivalent Boundary of Long & Short Column Using Fe

 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength About Y-Axis

 Fcr Can be Fond from the Previous Equations

43.63

 Now Find Pn
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem - Summary
 Actual Governing Compressive Strength is the Smaller
of the Flexural Buckling Strength &
Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength

 Flexural Buckling Strength Pn Buckling for X-Axis

Buckling

 Flexural Torsional Buckling Strength Pn for Y+Z-Axis

Buckling
 Flexural Buckling Strength for X-Axis Buckling Governs
Compression Members - Design

The Same Problem Can be Solved for

the Direct Equation Provided by the
AISC for the T-Section

This Equation Directly Gives the

Fcr instead of Fe
 Compression Members - Design
Buckling in Flexural Torsional & Torsional Modes
Nominal Compressive Strength is Given by Pn = Fcr Ag

 Fcr is Calculated as Per AISC Section 16, Chapter ‘E’ Part E4

 Fcr For double-angle and Tee Sections is given as:

 Fcry is the Same Fcr as Used for the Column Flexural Buckling
About y- Axis, while Fcrz is Given as:
 Compression Members - Design
 The Problem Already Done Using General Solution of
Mono-Symmetric Section
 It Requires Finding Buckling About X-Axis Separately

 Buckling About X-Axis Already Calculated before as

683.3 kip
 Following Variables Already Calculated before
 Compression Members - Design
 Now Finding Fcr

 Finding Fcry
 Compression Members - Design
 Finding Fcry

 Finding Fcr
 Compression Members - Design
 Finding Fcr

 Note That it is Approx. Close to that Calculated Before

 But Since Our Buckling Strength About X was Smaller

than This, so it is Governing
 Compression Members - Design
Specifications for Single Angle Iron Column
 Fcr For Equal-leg Angles or Unequal-leg Angles
connected through the Longer leg that are individual
members or are Web members of Planar Trusses with
adjacent web members attached to the same side of the
gusset plate or chord is the Same Fcr as Used for the
Column Flexural Buckling, But KL/r is Taken as:
 Compression Members - Design
Specifications for Single Angle Iron Column
 Fcr For Equal-leg Angles or Unequal-leg Angles
connected through the Longer leg that are individual
members or are Web members of box or Space trusses
with adjacent web members attached to the same side of
the gusset plate or chord: is the Same Fcr as Used for the
Column Flexural Buckling, But KL/r is Taken as:
 Compression Members - Design
Torsional & Flexural Torsional Buckling

In Chapter 4 of The Book by Segui , Example

Problems Nos 4-15 & 4-16 Address the
Calculation of Compressive Capacity of a WT
Section and a C-Section, i-e, Mono-Symmetric
Sections, Not a Doubly Symmetric Sections
 Compression Members - Design
Built-up Members

Two Members Bolted or Welded Back-to-Back Form a

Built-up section
 Compression Members - Design
Requirements of Built-up Members

It is Sometimes Desired to Use a Built-up

Compression Member to Increase the Overall
Buckling Capacity of a Column.
The Built-up Member is Fabricated by Bolting
or Welding Hot-rolled Section But with Gaps
between Them.
The Built-up Compression Member should
follow the Specifications provided in Section E6
of AISC Chapter “E” – Part – 16
 Compression Members - Design
Requirements of Built-up Members
Connection Requirements for Built-up
Hot Rolled Shapes

In order to ensure proper working of the built-up

Compression Members, AISC restricts the Slenderness of
individual element to be ¾ of the Overall Built-up Section
Slenderness
Compression Members - Design
Requirements of Built-up Members
 Local Slenderness should be less
than the global slenderness
 Compression Members - Design
Requirements of Built-up Members

The Nominal Compressive Strength ФPn of

Built-up Members composed of two or more
shapes interconnected by bolts or welds shall
be determined Using Sections E3, E4, or E7
subject to the following modification.
If the buckling mode involves relative
deformations that produce shear forces in the
connectors between individual shapes, KL/r is
Replaced by (KL/r)m
 Compression Members - Design
Requirements of Built-up Members

Since the Built-up Member is Formed by

Interconnected two or more Sections by bolts or
welds. AISC Specifies 2 Types of Built-up
Members :

Using Bolts with Snug Tight Connection

Using Pretensioned Bolts Or Welds in

Connection
Compression Members - Design
Requirements of Built-up Members
 Compression Members - Design
Requirements of Built-up Members
When Connection is Made Using Pretensioned
Bolts Or Welds
 Compression Members - Design
Examples of Built-up Members

In Chapter 4 of The Book by Segui , Example

Problems Nos 4-17 & 4-18 Address the
Calculation of Compressive Capacity of a Built-
up Sections. 4-17 Discusses a W-section with a Pl.
Welded on top while 4-18 Discusses a Built-up
section using Two Angles Bolted Back-to-Back
Compression Members - Design
Examples of Built-up Members
 Compression Members - Design
Solution

 Using General Approach for Singly-Symmetric members

& Finding Fcr Using Direct T-section Eq.

 First Compute Flexural Buckling Strength About X-Axis

Short Column
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem

 To find Flexural-Torsional Buckling Strength

About Y+Z-Axes Modified KL/r to be used

 It is also given that Two Angles are Fully Tightened Bolts

 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Ingredients Calculations
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Ingredients Calculations

 Individual & Overall Slenderness Check

 Local Slenderness should be less

than the global slenderness
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Ingredients Calculations

 Finding the Modified KL/r

 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Finding the Fcr

Long Column
 Compression Members - Design
Example Problem
 Now Find the Fcr